Darius Slayton: Giants Release, Released, News, Age, Wife, Injury

Darius Slayton’s time with the New York Giants has come to an unexpected end. The veteran wide receiver was released by the Giants just days before their 2026 regular-season opener, ending a seven-year run with the franchise.

Slayton entered the 2026 season as the Giants’ longest-tenured player. However, after spending much of the offseason competing for his roster spot, New York ultimately decided to move on.

Here is everything to know about the Darius Slayton Giants release, including the latest news, his age, wife, injury history and NFL career.

Darius Slayton Giants Release: What Happened?

The Giants released Slayton on September 7, 2026, shortly before the beginning of the regular season. The decision came as a surprise because he had initially survived the team’s final roster cuts.

New York had reportedly explored trade possibilities involving the veteran receiver but ultimately did not find a deal. His release gives the Giants additional salary-cap flexibility while also creating another change in their wide receiver room.

Slayton’s departure is significant because he had been with the organization since the 2019 NFL Draft and had become one of the most experienced players on the roster.

Why Did the Giants Release Darius Slayton?

Several factors appear to have contributed to the decision.

First, the Giants had a crowded receiver group featuring Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, rookie Malachi Fields and Odell Beckham Jr. The team therefore had difficult decisions to make regarding its receiver depth.

Second, Slayton’s contract carried a substantial 2026 cap figure. His release saves New York roughly $3 million in cap space, although the move also leaves the Giants with significant dead money.

Finally, Slayton was coming off a 2025 campaign in which he recorded 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers were below the level the Giants likely wanted from a highly paid veteran receiver.

Darius Slayton Is Now a Free Agent

Following his release, Slayton is now available to sign with another NFL team.

Early reports indicated that there was already league interest in the veteran receiver, with multiple teams reportedly making preliminary inquiries. No new team had been officially announced at the time of writing.

Slayton brings experience, speed and a proven ability to stretch defenses. Those qualities could make him an attractive option for teams looking for veteran receiver depth.

Darius Slayton Age

Darius Slayton was born on January 12, 1997, in Norcross, Georgia.

That makes him 29 years old as of September 2026.

He entered the NFL relatively young after playing college football at Auburn and has now spent seven seasons in the league.

Darius Slayton Wife

Darius Slayton married Olympic heptathlete Anna Hall in April 2026.

The couple became engaged in November 2025 before marrying at Oheka Castle in Long Island, New York, in April 2026.

Hall is an accomplished track-and-field athlete who has competed internationally in the heptathlon.

Darius Slayton Injury Update

Slayton dealt with an injury during the 2026 offseason. Reports indicated that he underwent double sports-hernia/core-muscle surgery and was working his way back toward full speed.

Earlier reports suggested that the injury would affect his offseason preparation, although he was expected to be available for training camp. Slayton also had a hamstring issue during the 2025 season that caused him to miss games.

His injury history was therefore another factor surrounding his roster status heading into the 2026 season.

Darius Slayton NFL Career

The Giants selected Slayton in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 171st overall pick.

He quickly established himself as a deep threat. During his seven seasons in New York, Slayton became one of the team’s most productive receivers despite playing through multiple coaching and quarterback changes.

According to Reuters, Slayton finished his Giants career with:

• 296 receptions
• 4,435 receiving yards
• 22 receiving touchdowns
• 106 games played
• 78 starts

He also led the Giants in receiving yards in four of his first five seasons.

Darius Slayton Contract

Slayton signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Giants in March 2025 after entering free agency. The deal included approximately $22 million in fully guaranteed money.

The contract was one reason his 2026 roster situation attracted so much attention. His salary-cap charge was significant, while his production had declined from some of his earlier seasons.

The Giants ultimately chose to release him despite the financial consequences of the move.

What Is Next for Darius Slayton?

The next chapter of Slayton’s NFL career will begin as a free agent.

His experience could make him appealing to teams searching for a veteran wide receiver who can provide reliable depth and a downfield threat. His familiarity with NFL defenses and seven years of experience should also help him transition quickly to a new organization.

There is no official indication yet of which team will ultimately sign him.

Darius Slayton News: Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Giants release Darius Slayton?

Yes. The New York Giants released Darius Slayton on September 7, 2026, ending his seven-year tenure with the team.

Why was Darius Slayton released?

The move came amid a crowded receiver group and salary-cap considerations. His release gives the Giants roughly $3 million in cap savings while creating substantial dead money.

How old is Darius Slayton?

Darius Slayton is 29 years old. He was born January 12, 1997.

Who is Darius Slayton’s wife?

Darius Slayton is married to Olympic heptathlete Anna Hall. They married in April 2026.

What injury did Darius Slayton have?

Slayton underwent surgery for a core-muscle/sports-hernia injury during the 2026 offseason and was working toward a full return.

What is Darius Slayton’s career record with the Giants?

Slayton finished his Giants career with 296 catches, 4,435 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in 106 games.

Conclusion

The Darius Slayton Giants release marks the end of one of the longest-running chapters on the New York roster. The 29-year-old receiver spent seven seasons with the Giants, producing nearly 4,500 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns.

Although his time in New York is over, Slayton remains an experienced NFL receiver and could attract interest from teams needing veteran depth. His next destination will be one of the more interesting free-agent storylines to follow as the 2026 season begins.